Worried parents of pupils at Scargill Junior School in Mungo Road, Rainham, were told by text message they could make an appointment to speak to the headteacher following the shocking incident, which happened one month after teacher Ann Maguire was stabbed to death in a Leeds classroom.

One woman, who does not wish to be named, but whose child is in the the boy’s class, said: “The whole school is talking about it. Parents are having meetings with the headmistress, after we received a group text message about safety concerns.”

The message, seen by the Recorder, makes no reference to the incident, which the school has since confirmed.

It reads: “We understand your concerns about safety in school, if you would like to make an appointment to speak to Mrs Ireland [headteacher] tomorrow between 11 and 3, please call the school office.”

The parent was also shocked police were not called after the knife was found on May 20.

“They said it wasn’t taken out of his bag, but that’s irrelevant” she said. “He still took a knife in. Apparently he was telling his friends he was going to stab another child, and the teacher found out from one of them and he was sent home.”

A statement from Amanda Ireland denied a threat was made.

She said: “A pupil brought a small knife into school. It was not taken out of the child’s bag and as soon as a teacher found out it was immediately confiscated and the child taken out of class.

“No threats were made and I have dealt with the incident, and the child’s punishment, as per the usual school policy.”

Ray Waxler, secretary of Havering National Union of Teachers, said the issue was serious.

He added: “I would hope there is security for all members of staff and pupils such that they feel safe.”

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